Modular two-body design for integration of mobile computing device features with a wireless communication device

ABSTRACT

The integrated computing wireless communication device offers the added flexibility of conventional mobile computing devices while offering optional portability of the wireless communication device. The integrated computing wireless communication device includes an information input/output device connected to a wireless communication device at a universal joint. The information input/output device includes a display and at least one input device. The wireless communication device includes a processor and at least one separate input device. The processor receives the input and presents an output image on the display. The information input/output device and the wireless communication device are electrically connected by electrical contacts of the universal joint. The universal joint includes a pivot for rotating the information input/output device over a vertical axis and a swivel for rotating the information input/output device over a horizontal axis. The universal joint includes mechanical latch positions for latching the integrated computing wireless communication device into a variety of positions for inputting information into the device. The mechanical latch facilitates single-hand operation of the integrated computing wireless communication device by latching the device into angles of rotation of the pivot and the swivel. The information input/output device and the wireless communication device detach at the universal joint so that the wireless communication device may be used independently of the information input/output device. In an alternative embodiment, the information input/output device might be replaced by a mobile computing device which, when separated, may be used independently of the wireless communication device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/773,455, filed Jan. 31, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,850,784 entitled“MODULAR TWO-BODY DESIGN FOR INTEGRATION OF MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICEFEATURES WITH A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE,” which application ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to the integration of mobile computingfeatures with a wireless communication device. More particularly, theinvention relates to a two-body modular design connecting an informationinput/output device to a wireless communication device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Despite tremendous diversity of cellular phones and mobile computingdevices, in recent years there has been little innovation in the basicphysical design of these devices. As the mobile user demands morefunctionality on the move, these two products are beginning to converge.Accordingly, demand is increasing for a single device that offers thecombined functionality of a mobile computing device and a cellularphone.

With the demand for an integrated mobile computing/cellular phone devicerapidly growing, designers must address two integral concernssurrounding the market. First, it is optimal to build an integratedmobile computing/cellular phone device that incorporates the flexibilityof modern mobile computing features. Cellular phones with integratedmobile computing features will be larger and heavier than theconventional, increasingly smaller cellular phone. Second, it isimportant to build an integrated mobile computing/cellular phone devicewhile designing towards the popular portability of modern cellularphones.

Several designs for an integrated mobile computing/cellular phone devicehave been introduced; however, none have been successful at addressingboth of the aforementioned concerns. In particular, these designs areassociated with problems related to bulkiness, non-portability, andinefficient battery life. The conventional design integrates the mobilecomputing device and the cellular phone into a single physical device.This design results in a bulky device, typically the size of the mobilecomputing device of the design. Further, the cellular phone of thisdesign is non-portable, meaning that the cellular phone may not bedetached and used separate from the mobile computing device.

Bluetooth™ technology has led to the implementation of another design.Bluetooth™ is a new wireless technology offering an alternative tophysically integrating the mobile computing device and the cellularphone into a single body. Bluetooth™ technology was developed by aBluetooth™ Special Interest Group consisting of a number of companies.Bluetooth™ offers a high-speed wireless link between all devices in auser's personal space up to 30 feet, commonly referred to as a personalarea network (PAN). While Bluetooth™ technology is one attempt to solvethe aforementioned concerns, many users still demand the integrateddevice in a single-body design. In order to use Bluetooth™, a user musteither remain within the PAN or carry a collection of special deviceswith them while out of the home or office. Furthermore, the wirelesslink used in Bluetooth™ technology is much more draining of battery lifethan a physical electrical connection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention, the above and other problems aresolved by an integrated computing wireless communication device. Theintegrated computing wireless communication device is a modular two-bodydesign for integrating features of a mobile computing device into awireless communication device. The two-body design includes a wirelesscommunication device and an information input/output device connected bya universal joint. The two-body design allows a user to physicallyseparate the wireless communication device from the informationinput/output device in instances where only the wireless communicationdevice is needed. Operation of the wireless communication device is notdependent upon the connection between the two devices. By enabling theuser to physically detach the wireless communication device from theinformation input/output device, a user may use the wirelesscommunication device separately without the bulkiness associated withthe integrated device.

In one aspect of the invention, the wireless communication deviceincludes an information processing module for implementing the mobilecomputing features. The integrated computing wireless communicationdevice has a touchpad-based graphical user interface (GUI) to allowone-hand operation of the integrated device. In another aspect of theinvention, a stylus-based GUI might be used to control the device. Sincephysically connected to the wireless communication device, theinformation input/output device is supplied power through the sameelectrical connection. The information input/output device is connectedto the wireless communication device by a universal joint allowing theinformation input/output device to pivot 360 degrees and swivel 90degrees over the wireless communication device. The wirelesscommunication device, which includes a numeric keypad, can also serve asa base for the integrated device in self-standing mode since theuniversal joint allows for 3-dimensional pivot.

In accordance with other aspects, the present invention relates to anintegrated computing wireless communication device for integratingmobile computing features with a wireless communication device. Theintegrated computing wireless communication device includes aninformation input/output device connected to a wireless communicationdevice at a universal joint. The universal joint includes mechanicallatch positions for latching the integrated computing wirelesscommunication device into a variety of positions for inputtinginformation into the device. In particular, the mechanical latchfacilitates single-hand operation of the integrated computing wirelesscommunication device. In order to enable the rotation functionality, theuniversal joint includes a swivel and a pivot. The informationinput/output device and the wireless communication device detach at theuniversal joint so that the wireless communication device may be usedindependently of the information input/output device.

In an alternative aspect of the invention, the information input/outputdevice is replaced with a mobile computing device, such as a personaldata assistant (PDA). The PDA includes a display, an input device, aprocessor, and a separate battery. The physical electrical connectionbetween the mobile computing device and the wireless communicationdevice allows for battery life optimization since Bluetooth™ technologyis only employed while the devices are separated. By using a PDA inplace of an information input/output device, the functionality of thePDA is independent of the wireless communication device, thereforeallowing a user to selectively carry only one of the devices ininstances where only one is needed. In other alternative aspects, themobile computing device may be any variation of a PDA, such as ahandheld personal computer, an electronic organizer, or any devicewherein information is input by a user and used by a device to outputfunctionality.

The great utility of the invention is that the integrated computingwireless communication device offers the added flexibility ofconventional mobile computing devices while also offering optionalportability of the wireless communication device. Specifically, thewireless communication device can be separated from the informationinput/output device at a universal joint having a swivel and a pivot. Byallowing separation of the components, the concerns surrounding the sizeof the cellular phone are overcome. Additionally, the integrated deviceincludes the added functionality and flexibility of modern mobilecomputing devices. Other advantages of the integrated computing wirelesscommunication device include such aspects as facilitated one-handoperation, alternative horizontal (landscape) and vertical (portrait)orientations, and a self-standing mode enabling the user to position thedisplay on a flat surface for relatively easy viewing.

These and various other features as well as advantages, whichcharacterize the present invention, will be apparent from a reading ofthe following detailed description and a review of the associateddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an integrated computing wireless communication device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates rotation angles of the universal joint of theintegrated computing wireless communication device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates operation of the connection of the universal joint inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates right-hand orientation of the integrated computingwireless communication device for single-hand use by a user.

FIG. 4B illustrates left-hand orientation of the integrated computingwireless communication device for single-hand use by a user.

FIG. 5 illustrates concurrent operation of the swivel and the pivot ofthe universal joint of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 further illustrates concurrent operation of the swivel and thepivot by showing the integrated computing wireless communication devicepositioned for upright information input and output into the informationinput/output device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 generally illustrates an integrated computing wirelesscommunication device 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. The integrated computing wireless communication device 100includes an information input/output device 102, a wirelesscommunication device 104, and a universal joint 106. The informationinput/output device 102 includes at least one input device 116 forinputting information and an output device 108 for presenting output.The wireless communication device 104 includes at least one input device120 and an information-processing module (not shown) for implementingmobile computing features in the integrated computing wirelesscommunication device 100. In accordance with an embodiment, theinformation-processing module is located internal to the wirelesscommunication device 104. The information-processing module contains thelogic, RAM, programs, and other software responsible for executingoperations requested by the information input/output device 102. Withthis embodiment, the top portion, which, in accordance with anembodiment, is the information input/output device 102, would only serveas a display. Additionally, an additional ROM to include applicationexecutables that would take advantage of the display might be includedin the information input/output device 102, thereby eliminating any syncissues between the two bodies. In an alternative embodiment, theinformation input/output device 102 houses the information-processingmodule. In accordance with one embodiment, the wireless communicationdevice uses the output device 108 of the information input/output device102. In other embodiments, the wireless communication device might havea separate output device, such as a separate display or a speaker.

In one embodiment, the information input/output device 102 has a displayas the output device 108 and an input device 116. The display 108 mightbe a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode display (LED),a dot matrix display, or any other display for presenting output. In oneembodiment, the input device 116 inputs information into a graphicaluser interface. The graphical user interface is installed under anoperating system, such as “Windows CE”®, installed on theinformation-processing module. The input device 116 is used forinputting information into the integrated computing wirelesscommunication device 100 by the user and might be a stylus, a touchpad,a mouse, a joystick, or any other input device operating on a graphicaluser interface. In other embodiments, the input device 116 might inputinformation into the integrated computing wireless communication device100 through a command line interface. While a number of embodiments havebeen identified for the input device 116, any number of combinations ofpads, keys, buttons, and posts might be selected to implement the inputdevice 116.

In an alternative embodiment, the information input/output device 102might be replaced by a mobile computing device. According to oneembodiment of the alternative embodiment, the mobile computing device(such as 102) might be a personal data assistant (PDA) having a display(such as 108), an input device (such as 116), a processor operating thePDA, and a separate power supply. Under the alternative embodiment, thePDA may be detached from the wireless communication device and used asan independent device. The battery might still be charged throughelectrical contacts on the universal joint. In other alternativeembodiments, the information input/output device might be replaced byother mobile computing devices having a processor, such as a handheldpersonal computer, an electronic organizer, a remote control operatingany variety of devices or appliances, or any device wherein informationis input by a user and used by a device to output functionality. Inaccordance with these embodiments, the information-processing module ispart of the mobile communication device.

In one embodiment, the wireless communication device 104 is a cellulartelephone having a numeric keypad 110 and a separate output (not shown),typically a speaker. In another embodiment, the wireless communicationdevice might also include a display (not shown) providing associatedcommunication functionality to the wireless communication device 104.For example, the display might present a listing of phone numbers oremail addresses saved in the cellular phone. The numeric keypad 110 isan input device (such as 120) for inputting information into thecellular phone 104. While the description of the cellular telephone 104concentrates on the keypad 110 for inputting information, any number ofcombinations of pads, keys, buttons, and posts might be selected as analternative or addition to the keypad 110. In other embodiments, thewireless communication device might be an electronic mailreceiver/transmitter, an electronic pager, an electronic messenger, orany other device for receiving and transmitting communication signals.

The universal joint 106 physically connects the wireless communicationdevice 104 to the information input/output device 102. In oneembodiment, the universal joint includes a swivel 112 and a pivot 114.The pivot 114 allows a full range of rotation along a vertical axis. Theangle of rotation of the pivot 114 is represented in FIG. 1 as angle θ.FIG. 2 illustrates the vertical axis 200 upon which either device, theinformation input/output device 102 or the wireless communication device104 rotate with respect to the other. Referring to FIG. 2, a 90 degreerotation of the information input/output device over the wirelesscommunication device 104 is shown. Referring back to FIG. 1, the angle θmight be a full range of motion from 0 degrees to 360 degrees. If theangle θ is 0 or 360 degrees, then the information input/output device102 is positioned over the wireless communication device 104.

The swivel 112 allows for a limited range of tilt along a horizontalaxis 202 (FIG. 2). The angle of rotation of the swivel is represented inFIG. 2 as angle φ. Referring to FIG. 2, the integrated computingwireless communication device 100 is shown having an angle φ of 0degrees, an angle φ of approximately 30 degrees, an angle φ ofapproximately 60 degrees, and an angle φ of approximately 90 degrees. Inone embodiment, each angle φ is measured with the wireless communicationdevice 104 being the reference angle 0 degrees and the informationinput/output device 102 being the position reference. In one embodiment,the angle φ might be any angle from approximately 0 degrees toapproximately 180 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle φ might beany angle within the range of 0 degrees to 360 degrees; however, inorder to implement such a range, the positioning of the swivel 112 mustbe positioned at the ends of both devices 102 and 104. Illustrations ofthe operation of the swivel 112 are provided in FIGS. 5 and 6.

In accordance with an embodiment, the universal joint 106 also haselectrical contacts electrically connecting the information input/outputdevice 102 and the wireless communication device 104. Through theelectrical connection, the two devices may operate from the same powersupply and may be charged through the same electrical connection.Additionally, through the electrical connection of the universal joint,the mobile computing device (such as 102) and the wireless communicationdevice 104 of the alternative embodiment are enabled to transmit andreceive information without the use of Bluetooth™ or other wirelesstechnology.

FIG. 3 illustrates operation of the connection of the universal joint106 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. WhereasFIG. 1 illustrated the two devices 102 and 104 connected at theuniversal joint 106, FIG. 2 shows the information input/output device102 and the wireless communication device 104 detached from one another.Connection line 300 illustrates the ability of the two devices 102 and104 to attach at the universal joint 106.

In the alternative embodiment, both the mobile computing device (such as102) and the wireless communication device 104 provide independentfunctionality to a user when detached from one another, meaning thatboth devices can be operated with absolutely no dependency upon theother device. Additionally, if the mobile computing device 102 and thewireless communication device 104 are within the FCC permitted range(currently 30 feet) allocated for Bluetooth™ technology, then the twodevices 102 and 104 might pass, or transmit and receive, informationthrough a Bluetooth™ wireless link.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate opposite orientations of the integratedcomputing wireless communication device 100 for single-hand use by auser. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the illustrations depict thewireless communication device 104 as a cellular phone. FIG. 4Aillustrates the integrated computing wireless communication device 100adapted for right-hand use by a user. In particular, angle θ is shown at270 degrees from reference angle 0 degrees assigned to the position ofthe cellular phone 104. In one embodiment, universal joint 106 includesa latch (not shown) locking the information input/output device 102 inthe position shown. By providing the capability to rotate theinformation input/output device 102 two hundred seventy degrees from thecellular phone 104, single-hand operation of the informationinput/output device 102 is facilitated. Obviously, this capability isonly provided when the input device 116 on the information input/outputdevice 102 also facilitates single-hand operation, such as a touchpad.FIG. 4B illustrates the integrated computing wireless communicationdevice 100 as adapted for left-hand use by a user. Whereas theadaptation for right-hand use illustrated in FIG. 4A included an angle θof 270 degrees, the integrated computing wireless communication device100 illustrated in FIG. 4B has an angle θ of 90 degrees. Additionally,the output image on the display of the information input/output device102 is rotated 180 degrees such that the user realizes the sameorientation on the display 108 as the orientation associated with theright-hand use adaptation of FIG. 4A. As with the integrated computingwireless communication device 100 of FIG. 4A, the device 100 of FIG. 4Bmight contain a latch locking the information input/output device 102 inthe position shown.

In accordance with an embodiment, orientation of the output image isadapted to the display 108 when the angle θ is equal to 270 degrees, 180degrees, and 90 degrees. When angle θ is 180 degrees, the output imageon the display 108 has a portrait orientation. When angle θ is 270 and90 degrees, the output image on the display 108 has a landscapeorientation. In accordance with alternative embodiments, rotation of theoutput image might be accomplished through either an input selectionelement 400 or the input device 116. In one embodiment, the inputselection element 400 might be located on the information input/outputdevice 102. In other embodiments, the input selection element 400 mightbe positioned on the mobile computing device. In yet other embodiments,the input selection element 400 might be operably connected to theuniversal joint 106 such that rotation of either body 102, 104 activatethe selection element 400. For example, the universal joint 106 latchedat 90 degrees triggers the input device 400 to transmit a signal to agraphical user interface requesting rotation of the output image 180degrees from the orientation realized when the pivot 114 is latched at270 degrees. Similarly, the universal joint 106 latched at 180 degreestriggers the input device 400 to transmit a signal to a graphical userinterface requesting rotation of the output image 90 degrees from theorientation realized when the pivot 114 is latched at 270 degrees. Inone embodiment, the graphical user interface is installed under theprocessor located in the wireless communication device 104. In thealternative embodiment, the graphical user interface is installed underthe processor of the mobile computing device.

FIG. 5 illustrates concurrent operation of the swivel 112 and the pivot114 as the integrated computing wireless communication device 100 isshown adapted for single-hand use. Referring to FIG. 5, the informationinput/output device 102 has an angle φ between 0 and 90 degrees and anangle θ of 90 degrees. As noted in FIG. 1, the angle θ may be variedbetween 0 and 360 degrees. By positioning the information input/outputdevice 102 at the angle φ and angle θ of FIG. 5, the display 108 may beadapted for facilitated viewing by a user. As described in FIG. 4B,positioning the integrated computing wireless communication device 100at angle θ adapts the device 100 for left-hand use.

FIG. 6 further illustrates concurrent operation of the swivel 112 andthe pivot 114 by showing the integrated computing wireless communicationdevice 100 positioned for upright information input and output into theinformation input/output device 102. Referring to FIG. 6, theinformation input/output device 102 has an angle φ between 0 and 90degrees and an angle θ of 180 degrees. By positioning the informationinput/output device 102 at the angle φ and angle θ of FIG. 6, theintegrated computing wireless communication device 100 is adapted tostand upright on a flat surface thereby allowing a user to use thedevice 100 similar to implementations employed by conventional desktopcomputers.

It will be clear that the integrated computing wireless communicationapparatus 100 is well adapted to attain the ends and advantagesmentioned as well as those inherent therein. While a presently preferredembodiment has been described for purposes of this disclosure, variouschanges and modifications may be made which are well within the scope ofthe present invention. For example, the integrated computing wirelesscommunication apparatus 100 might contain an additional plug, or inputterminal, for connecting any number of peripheral input devices to theintegrated computing wireless communication apparatus 100. In oneembodiment, such a peripheral device might be a keyboard. In otherembodiments, the peripheral device might be a joystick, a mouse, or anyother input device capable of being attached to input information intothe integrated computing wireless communication apparatus 100.Additionally, the integrated computing wireless communication apparatus100 may contain a trigger providing functionality to activate thedisplay 108 or various output images on the display 108.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way ofillustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention.Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modificationsand changes that may be made to the present invention without followingthe example embodiments and applications illustrated and describedherein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of thepresent invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

1. An apparatus for movably attaching a handheld first electronic device to a handheld second electronic device, the apparatus comprising: a universal joint configured to rotatably attach the first electronic device to the second electronic device, wherein the universal joint is configured to accommodate rotation of the first electronic device about two axes relative to the second electronic device, and wherein the universal joint is further configured to allow separation of the first electronic device from the second electronic device such that each device may be used independently of the other device.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein, when the first electronic device is connected to the second electronic device via the universal joint, the first electronic device interacts with the second electronic device to integrate features of the first electronic device with features of the second electronic device.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first electronic device includes a handheld information input/output device and the second electronic device includes a handheld wireless communication device, and wherein the universal joint is configured to rotatably attach the information input/output device to the wireless communication device.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first electronic device includes a handheld information input/output device and the second electronic device includes a handheld wireless communication device having an information processing module, and wherein, when the information input/output device is connected to the wireless communication device via the universal joint, the information input/output device interacts with the information processing module to integrate mobile computing features with the wireless communication device.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein, when the first electronic device is connected to the second electronic device via the universal joint, the universal joint latches in at least one position allowing a user to hold both devices in one hand and input information into at least one of the two devices with the same hand.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the universal joint further includes a swivel configured to allow normal rotation of the first electronic device relative to the second electronic device about a horizontal axis.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the universal joint further includes a pivot configured to allow tangential rotation of the first electronic device relative to the second electronic device about a vertical axis.
 8. A modular apparatus comprising: an information input/output device; a wireless communication device having an information processing module; and a universal joint with mechanical latch positions rotatably attaching the information input/output device to the wireless communication device, wherein the universal joint accommodates rotation of the information input/output device about two axes relative to the wireless communication device, and wherein the universal joint allows separation of the information input/output device from the wireless communication device such that each device may be used independently of the other device.
 9. The modular apparatus of claim 8 wherein the information input/output device comprises: an input device inputting information into the information processing module; and a display presenting output processed from the information processing module, wherein an orientation of the output is adapted based upon a position of the display relative to the wireless communication device.
 10. The modular apparatus of claim 8 wherein the universal joint latches in at least one position allowing a user to hold both devices with one hand and input information with the same hand.
 11. The modular apparatus of claim 8 wherein the universal joint includes at least one electrical contact electrically connecting the information input/output device to the wireless communication device.
 12. The modular apparatus of claim 8 wherein the universal joint includes a swivel, and wherein the swivel latches in at least one position fastening the information input/output device in a relative position to the wireless communication device to allow the modular apparatus to stand on a surface of the wireless communication device, thereby allowing a user to position the modular apparatus on a flat surface for viewing the display.
 13. A handheld apparatus comprising: a first electronic device; a second electronic device; and a universal joint with mechanical latch positions rotatably connecting the first electronic device to the second electronic device, wherein the universal joint accommodates rotation of the first electronic device about two axes relative to the second electronic device, and wherein the universal joint allows separation of the first electronic device from the second electronic device such that each device may be used independently of the other device.
 14. The handheld apparatus of claim 13 wherein the first electronic device includes at least one of a handheld mobile computing device and a handheld wireless communication device.
 15. The handheld apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a wireless link transmitting and receiving information between the first electronic device and the second electronic device while the devices are not connected by the universal joint.
 16. The handheld apparatus of claim 13 wherein the universal joint further includes at least one electrical contact electrically connecting the first electronic device to the second electronic device.
 17. The handheld apparatus of claim 13 wherein the first electronic device includes a graphical user interface providing interaction between the user and the device through an input device.
 18. The handheld apparatus of claim 13 wherein the universal joint latches in at least one position fastening the first electronic device to the second electronic device in a relative position to allow a user to hold with one hand both devices and input information with the same hand.
 19. The handheld apparatus of claim 13 wherein the first electronic device includes a display that presents an output image having an orientation based upon a position of the display relative to the first electronic device.
 20. The handheld apparatus of claim 13 wherein the first electronic device includes a display that presents an output image having an orientation based upon a position of the display relative to the second electronic device. 